Ancient History

Acheulean and Mousterian Cultures

Period: 50,000 BCE to 30,000 BCE

The Acheulean and Mousterian cultures, which lasted from 50 000 to 30 000 BC had a distinctive habitat due to the "Lacustine depressions." They disappeared due to a technological revolution marked by the change "from bifacial to flake tools." Grimal, Nicolas. Historia del Antiguo Egipto. Akal ed. Madrid: Librairie Arthène Fayard , 1996. May 11, 2017. Accessed September 10, 2017. www.sctibd.com/document/347988063/Historia-del-Antiguo-Egipto-Nicolas-Grimal-pdf.

Burials during the Neolithic Era

Period: 8300 BCE to 3000 BCE

Burials were a worldwide phenomenon during the Neolithic Era, which lasted approximatively from 8000 to 3000 BCE. During this epoch, "beliefs about the situation of the dead" were common as Ancient Near East and Europe habitants believed that death was simply a transition from one existence to another Holland, Glenn Stanfield. Gods in the desert: religions of the ancient Near East. New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 2009.

First use of cylinder seals in the Ancient Near East

7600 BCE

The first use of cylinder seals is, apparently, older than the invention of the cuneiform and is estimated to have happened between 7600 and 6000 B.C.E. The cylinder seals were carved and depicted images and inscriptions. link tex

Emergence of the Neolithic

6000 BCE

The emergence of the Neolithic, a massive breakdown in history, took place at the end of the Seventh Millenium BC. A period marked by a "radical modification [...] of Egyptian civilisation" with events such as animal domestication, development of agriculture and textile. Grimal, Nicolas. Historia del Antiguo Egipto. Akal ed. Madrid: Librairie Arthène Fayard , 1996. May 11, 2017. Accessed September 10, 2017. www.sctibd.com/document/347988063/Historia-del-Antiguo-Egipto-Nicolas-Grimal-pdf: 22.

Concept of Egyptian town and urban planning

Period: 4500 BCE to 4000 BCE

The concept of Egyptian town and urban planning dates, apparently, of the Amratian era (Naqada I.) It is important because this marks the development and emergence of architecture forms and, therefore, the development of ''infrastructures'' such as walls. Grimal, Nicolas. Historia del Antiguo Egipto. Akal ed. Madrid: Librairie Arthène Fayard , 1996. May 11, 2017. Accessed September 10, 2017. www.sctibd.com/document/347988063/Historia-del-Antiguo-Egipto-Nicolas-Grimal-pdf. 28.

Evolution of a Mesopotamian goddess: Inanna

Period: 4000 BCE to 1000 BCE

Inanna is the perfect example of the importance of gods in the Mesopotamian history. She started to be worshipped as the goddess of fertility 4000 years BCE and slowly, but surely, had an increasing importance. She was initially worshipped by the Sumer, during at least 3000 years, but later also became a notable figure for the Akkadian as she was worshipped in Babylon. Holland, Glenn Stanfield. Gods in the desert: religions of the ancient Near East. New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 2009.

The Gerzean Period

Period: 4000 BCE to 3300 BCE

The Gerzean Period, the "third Predynastic phase and second stage of the Naqada period" is marked by the influence of Northern people on Southern ones. This led to the creation of a mixed culture named Naqada III. Gerzean era is marked by the decoration of ceramics. Grimal, Nicolas. Historia del Antiguo Egipto. Akal ed. Madrid: Librairie Arthène Fayard , 1996. May 11, 2017. Accessed September 10, 2017. www.sctibd.com/document/347988063/Historia-del-Antiguo-Egipto-Nicolas-Grimal-pdf. 28.

Origin of written language

3200 BCE

Written language is also believed to have appeared more than 5000 years ago. However, it is important to note that it was not initially used as a mean of communicating, but instead as an economic tool. Written language was used by the elite in order to keep trak of the agricultural wealth. Language was developed by the Sumerians under the form of "cuneiform." link text

Hastor

Period: 3200 BCE to 600 BCE

Hastor was a very important city in Israel during the Bronze Age and was nicknamed “Capital of all the reigns.” This city played a key role in the development of the Jewish religion. It was destructed in XVIII B.C. because being reoccupied in the Tenth Century. Caquot, A. La religión de Israel des los origenes hasta la cautividad de Babilonia

Beginning of city life

3000 BCE

The beginning of civilisation, or should I say of life in a city, appeared more than 5000 years ago in Uruk, an Iraqi city. Life in city permitted the development of writing as well as defence. In fact, Uruk was equipped of huge defensive walls and was famous for being one of the most important places in Mesopotamia. link text

The Archaic Period of Egypt

3000 BCE

The Archaic Period starts with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. The first unification happened in 3000BCE and was made by Menes, who was a "legendary king of Upper Egypt." Holland, Glenn Stanfield. Gods in the desert: religions of the ancient Near East. New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 2009.

First construction of Mesopotamian places of worship

2200 BCE

The first place of worship in Mesopotamia were initially built in the years 2200 BCE, under the Akkadian domination. These places were known as ziggurats and "were intended solely for religious rituals." Ziggurats are temples composed of a summit dedicated to a chief god as well as, often, other spaces for other gods. They were equipped of external stairways. Holland, Glenn Stanfield. Gods in the desert: religions of the ancient Near East. New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 2009.

The Middle Kingdom

Period: 2055 BCE to 1650 BCE

The Middle Kingdom is an important historical period as it was marked by achievements in graphic art, literature and architecture. This epoch is characterised by the development of projects as the Kingdom was composed of many slaves ''imported'' from Western Asia. The Middle Kingdom's founding comes from the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the lead of a single king. Holland, Glenn Stanfield. Gods in the desert: religions of the ancient Near East. New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 2009.

Alliance in relationships between Human beings and divinities

2000 BCE

Around 2000 years B.C. Urukagina of Lagas declared the first alliance with the god Ningirsu. This is important because it shows that some rules were using divine powers to control their people. Caquot, A. La religión de Israel des los origenes hasta la cautividad de Babilonia: 99

Raise of Babylon

1790 BCE

Babylon became a massive city eighteen centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ. The city developed itself and became strong under the lead of King Hammurabi, who conquered Northern and Western Mesopotamia. Hammurabi is known for being "the king who made the four quarters of the earth obedient." Babylon remains famous for its architecture and inspires leaders such as Saddam Hussein. link text

The Hyksos and the Thirteenth Dynasty

Period: 1700 BCE to 1633 BCE

The Hyksos were a civilisation that had control of Northern Egypt and who extended its territory to the East of the Delta. They took control of the Thirteenth Dynasty, without destroying. The Thirteenth Dynasty only had "local power" from 1675 to 1633 BC before disappearing. Grimal, Nicolas. Historia del Antiguo Egipto. Akal ed. Madrid: Librairie Arthène Fayard , 1996. May 11, 2017. Accessed September 10, 2017. www.sctibd.com/document/347988063/Historia-del-Antiguo-Egipto-Nicolas-Grimal-pdf.185

The Mycenaean Culture

Period: 1600 BCE to 1100 BCE

The Mycenaean culture was born in the center of Greece at the end of the Bronze Age. This civilisation expended from Greece to the north of Thessaly, but also in Sicily and throughout Europe. This civilisation was famous for its ceramic decorations and manufacture. Hooker, J, T. La civilización micénica: 28.

Trojan war

1350 BCE

The Trojan war took place on the second half of the XIII century B.C. This war marked one of the most famous event of Ancient history and is important because it shows how prestigious was Creta back in that time. This war also inspired many philosophers and thinkers throughout history, Willetts, R. F. La civilización minoica.

Appearance of the people of Israel

1220 BCE

The people of Israel officially emerged on 1220 B.C. This people was initially named in an Egyptian document that talked about the victories of Merneptah. Israel appeared slightly after the exodus and even as today, it is true that the date of 1220 B.C. is still subject to many debates. Caquot, A. La religión de Israel des los origenes hasta la cautividad de Babilonia: 70.

Collapse of Mesopotamia

1200 BCE

Around 1200 B.C.E. many empires such as the Kassites collapsed throughout Mesopotamia. Researchers have been trying to find the reasons of such a collapse and it appears to be a multitude of factors such as "famine, widespread political instability, roving mercenaries and, most likely, plague." link text

Invasion of Israel and Monarchy

Period: 1200 BCE to 1000 BCE

Israel was military very unorganised in the millenary that precedes the birth of Jesus Christ. This led to the Philistine's invasion in 1200 B.C. on the coast, followed by a partial invasion of Palestina in the XI century B.C. Important because it shows that Israel starting as a very weak people, but managed to survive throughout the years until the creation of a monarchy ruled by Samuel. Caquot, A. La religión de Israel des los origenes hasta la cautividad de Babilonia: 120.

Creation of Carthage

814 BCE

Carthage was officially created in 814 B.C. by the Roman Empire and was located in the North of Africa. This city is important because it is situated on a triangle that links Roma, Sicilia and Carthage.
The African city was also very important to create and international army and helped to the expansion of the Roman Empire. Asimov, Isaac. La Republica Romana. Alianza Editorial Madrid , 1999: 7.

Foundation of Roma

753 BCE

Officially, and surprisingly, Roma was created in 753 BC, which is a date that comes after the creation of Carthage. The capital of the Roman Empire was created by Romulus following a deadly fight with Remus. This is one of the most important event of Ancient History as this event marked the creation of the most important city of one of the biggest Empire in history. Asimov, Isaac. La Republica Romana. Alianza Editorial Madrid , 1999: 8.

Occupation of Palestina by Israel

700 BCE

The Sixth and Seventh centuries B.C. are marked by the development of life by the people of Israel in Palestina. This ''occupation'' was made possible by an moral, religious and political anarchy. This is an important moment in the history of Israel because it is the beginning of a more prosperous era after all the darkness of Pre-History. This marks the creation of a real nation, yet not a real state. Caquot, A. La religión de Israel des los origenes hasta la cautividad de Babilonia: 115.

Archaic Greece

Period: 700 BCE to 500 BCE

The Archaic Era of Greece is a very important moment in the history of human kind because it was a very prosperous and fertile period. However, it is important to note that this era was not marked by a "strong nation", but instead by a succession of groups located throughout continental Greece. Hooker, J, T. La Grecia Arcaica: 41-43.

Development of Macedonia

Period: 650 BCE to 148 BCE

Macedonia is a people that appeared more than a millenary before the Christian era, but only entered in the spotlight in 650 B.C. Macedonia was an important ally of Persia and managed to expand itself thanks to this alliance. This civilisation was famous for its freedom as slavery did not exist there. Macedonia, after surviving for a while, became a strong state starting from 359 B.C. due to some important military victories. Annexed to Roma in 148 B.C. Hammond, N, G, L. Macedonia: 66-70.

the Persian Era

Period: 499 BCE to 330 BCE

The Persian era historically started in 499 B.C. after many cities tried to get rid of Persian tyrans with the help of Athen, but were quickly annihilated. Persia played a key role in Ancient history as it was one of Greece's main opponents, as shown by the surprise attack of 480-479 B.C. Persia also signed treaties with Sparta to fight their common enemy, which is Athen. Forrest, G, W. La Grecia Clásica :53-54.

Death of Alexander the Great

323 BCE

In 323 B.C, in the city of Babylone, one of the most famous warrior of Ancient History, Alexander the Great, passed away.
His death is an important historical event because Alexander the Great was one of the most conquistador as he crossed the totality of the Persian Empire. His death was also perceived as a relief for the Roman Empire as one of their most dangerous enemy died. Asimov, Isaac. La Republica Romana. Alianza Editorial Madrid , 1999: 36.

Beginning of democracy

Period: 200 BCE to 100 BCE

The term democracy initially appeared in the Hellenist period, during the III and II centuries B.C. It is an important event because it was the first time the people had the power in their hand. It is also the beginning of a political system that is still very much used nowadays. Antía Fernández Martínez. La integración de Grecia en el Imperio romano (s. II d.C.). Revista Italica
https://www.upo.es/revistas/index.php/italica/article/view/1756/1434

Incorporation of Greece in the Roman Empire

145 BCE

145 BCE is one of the most important date of Ancient history as it is the official time of the annexation of Greece to the Roman Empire. The years preceding this event were marked by some of the world's most famous battles. The annexation was followed by the destruction of Greek cities and the sending of Greek slaves to Italy. Antía Fernández Martínez. La integración de Grecia en el Imperio romano (s. II d.C.). Revista Italica
https://www.upo.es/revistas/index.php/italica/article/view/1756/1434

Stoicism

100 BCE

Stoicism initially appeared in 301 B.C, but became more important in 100 before "our era." This movement is important because it created a moral identity to follow. Moral was also strongly important for Christianity and Paganism. Historia de la vida Privada T. I. Peter Brown. La antigüedad tardía
http://www.libroesoterico.com/biblioteca/Varios/133857658-Duby-G-Historia-de-La-Vida-Privada-T1.pdf: 59.

Evergetism

Period: 100 BCE to 200

Evergetism is a movement that was created under the Greek Empire and that is based on the distribution of richness by notaries in the cities. It is important because it is complimentary of clientelism and allowed the development of cities as well as culture through various entertainments. Historia de la vida Privada T. I. Peter Brown. La antigüedad tardía
http://www.libroesoterico.com/biblioteca/Varios/133857658-Duby-G-Historia-de-La-Vida-Privada-T1.pdf: 114.

Caesar and the civil war

52 BCE

In approximatively 50 B.C the Roman Empire is divided like never and faces a civil war between Caesar and Pompey. This war that lasted for few years was full of "missed possibilities" as both figures (Caesar and Pompey) could have killed each other at multiple times. This war is important because in 48 B.C. Caesar finally obtains a decisive victory and is later going to become famous as one of the most dominant emperor. Asimov, Isaac. La Republica Romana. Alianza Editorial Madrid , 1999:105-107

The reign of Herodes

Period: 37 BCE to 4

The reign of Herodes, which took place between 37 B.C. and 4 A.C is a significant historical event because it is when occurred the birth of Christ. This period not only was important because of the birth of Jesus, but it also was an era of prosperity and development. Jaime Alvar Et Alt. Cristianismo Primitivo y religiones mistéricas. Cap. 2.
http://laicos.antropo.es/biblia-y-libros/Blazquez.JoseMaria.Etc._Cristianismo-primitivo-y-religiones-mistericas.pdf: 47.

Peace in the Roman Empire

29 BCE

In January 11 of the year 29 before the birth of Christ, the Roman Empire finally encounters a situation of peace under the lead of Octavio as he did not face any opposition. This is an important event because, during a long time, Roma was a military center but could not develop anything else as it was constantly in a situation of war. The peace allowed Roma to develop also as a cultural center. Asimov, Isaac. La Republica Romana. Alianza Editorial Madrid , 1999: 122

Lex julia de adulteriis

18 BCE

In 18 B.C, August promulgated the lex julia de adulteriis, which puts words on what should be considered adultery and what should not be considered like it. The point of this law was to slow the rate of divorces, but it is important because it was one of the first marital law ever created. • Jaime Alvar Et Alt. Cristianismo Primitivo y religiones mistéricas. Cap.22
http://laicos.antropo.es/biblia-y-libros/Blazquez.JoseMaria.Etc._Cristianismo-primitivo-y-religiones-mistericas.pdf

Social extraction of Christianity on the II century

Period: 30 to 200

On the II century, approximatively 80 years after the death of Jesus, Christianity is spreading throughout the Roman Empire. This is an important era because, at the beginning, Christianity was mostly attracting poor people, but finally reached an "equilibrium" between poor and "smart" people. Jaime Alvar Et Alt. Cristianismo Primitivo y religiones mistéricas. Cap. 4.
http://laicos.antropo.es/biblia-y-libros/Blazquez.JoseMaria.Etc._Cristianismo-primitivo-y-religiones-mistericas.pdf: 100-101.

The new Israel

Period: 32 to 60

In 32 after the birth of Christ, and under the lead of San Pablo, begins the creation of a new Israel. This new Israel was an "union" of peasants who simply had to through one initiation: A bath of purification. Historia de la vida Privada T. I. Peter Brown. La antigüedad tardía
http://www.libroesoterico.com/biblioteca/Varios/133857658-Duby-G-Historia-de-La-Vida-Privada-T1.pdf: 250.

Modernization of paganism

100

In 100 after the birth of Jesus Christ, the paganism (a term that designed people who are not Christian or Jewish) is evolving. The second paganism is important because it tries to be mythological and, thus, changes the public opinion about religions. Historia de la vida Privada T. I. Peter Brown. La antigüedad tardía
http://www.libroesoterico.com/biblioteca/Varios/133857658-Duby-G-Historia-de-La-Vida-Privada-T1.pdf: 212.

Rebirth of Greece

Period: 100 to 200

The second century after Jesus Christ saw the rebirth of the Greek society as the country finally found economic and political stability thanks to the redistribution of power between Greece and Rome. It is an important era as it was also marked by literature and cultural developments. Antía Fernández Martínez. La integración de Grecia en el Imperio romano (s. II d.C.). Revista Italica
https://www.upo.es/revistas/index.php/italica/article/view/1756/1434

Rome as the heart of the Greco-Roman culture

Period: 100 to 300

Rome became the heart of the Greco-Roman culture, which reached a peak on the second century after J.C. This is an important period became for the first time, the ideal of a Roman individual laid in a mix of Roman virtues and Greek culture. Only marked the end of the barbaric behaviour of Romans. Antía Fernández Martínez. La integración de Grecia en el Imperio romano (s. II d.C.). Revista Italica
https://www.upo.es/revistas/index.php/italica/article/view/1756/1434

New form of Hellenism

200

The second century after the birth of the Christ is also represented by a new concept of Hellenism based on the cultural legacy of the IV and Vth centuries B.C. This new Hellenism was an answer to the needs of recovering the wealth of the past and a true identity, which was destroyed by the Roman invasion. Antía Fernández Martínez. La integración de Grecia en el Imperio romano (s. II d.C.). Revista Italica
https://www.upo.es/revistas/index.php/italica/article/view/1756/1434

Doctors and Christianity

Period: 200 to 300

During a long time, Christianity was mostly attracting poor people. However, and for the first time, the second half of the third century is marked by the integration of many doctors in the Clergy. This is an important event because doctors became missionaries and spread the gospel. • Jaime Alvar Et Alt. Cristianismo Primitivo y religiones mistéricas. Cap. V
http://laicos.antropo.es/biblia-y-libros/Blazquez.JoseMaria.Etc._Cristianismo-primitivo-y-religiones-mistericas.pdf: 109.

Life of a Christian wife

Period: 200 to 223

It took a while for women to play an important role in the Christianity. In 200 after Christ they became to be missionaries of the faith, but in an ungrateful way as they were in charged of visiting injured people, wash people, etc... Later, it was accepted that "En Cristiano no hay hombre, ni mujer." • Jaime Alvar Et Alt. Cristianismo Primitivo y religiones mistéricas. Cap. V
http://laicos.antropo.es/biblia-y-libros/Blazquez.JoseMaria.Etc._Cristianismo-primitivo-y-religiones-mistericas.pdf

Edict of 212

212

The Edict of 212 is one of the most famous laws of the Roman Empire as it gave the Roman citizenship to all free men in the Empire who did not have it yet.This edict led to the romanisation of the empire, especially in the occidental regions. Leslie Lagos Aburto. Algunos mecanismos de helenizacion y romanizacion. Tiempo y espacio 16/2006
http://revistas.ubiobio.cl/index.php/TYE/article/view/1702/1646

Expulsion of Egyptian peasants in Alexandria

215

The year 215 of our era is marked with an important event: The expulsion of Egyptian peasants from by an emperor. They were expelled based on the fact that the rural lifestyle is not compatible with the urban one. It's important because it shows the birth of discrimination between citizens of a country that are not slaves. Historia de la vida Privada T. I. Peter Brown. La antigüedad tardía
http://www.libroesoterico.com/biblioteca/Varios/133857658-Duby-G-Historia-de-La-Vida-Privada-T1.pdf: 124.